She knew that she was safe in saying "No;" that her uncle would never force her inclinations,--safe so far as Vernon was concerned; but she desired more: she desired thoroughly to quench all suspicion that her heart was pre-occupied; entirely to remove from Sir Miles's thoughts the image of Mainwaring; and a denial of one suitor might quicken the baronet's eyes to the concealment of the other.

Nor was this all; if Sir Miles was seriously bent upon seeing her settled in marriage before his death, the dismissal of Vernon might only expose her to the importunity of new candidates more difficult to deal with.

Vernon himself she could use as the shield against the arrows of a host.

Therefore, when Sir Miles repeated his question, she answered, with much gentleness and seeming modest sense, that Mr.Vernon had much that must prepossess in his favour; that in addition to his own advantages he had one, the highest in her eyes,--her uncle's sanction and approval.

But--and she hesitated with becoming and natural diffidence--were not his habits unfixed and roving?
So it was said; she knew not herself,--she would trust her happiness to her uncle.
But if so, and if Mr.Vernon were really disposed to change, would it not be prudent to try him,--try him where there was temptation, not in the repose of Laughton, but amidst his own haunts of London?
Sir Miles had friends who would honestly inform him of the result.